Brighton thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0 in the M23 derby at the Amex Stadium on Sunday 18 October 2026, with the home side leading 3-0 inside 10 minutes. The result has put Palace manager Pierre Sage under severe pressure, and he said afterwards that the defeat was his responsibility and that he feels shame at the performance of his team.

The scorers were Jaydee Canvot with an own goal (4'), Diego Gómez (7'), Yasin Ayari (10'), Charalampos Kostoulas (49') and Jack Hinshelwood (84'). Hinshelwood came off the bench for the late fifth. Jean‑Philippe Mateta hit the bar for Palace. Gómez, the Paraguay international, scored his goal from the halfway line, described as Brighton's second.

Speaking after the match, Palace manager Sage said: "Completely not normal to behind by three in nine minutes." He also added, "I prepare the team, I'm responsible." He went on: "The first work is on me." The comments were noted as Sage's worst day in charge of Palace.

Brighton now have 16 points from their first seven league games, moving them provisionally into second place ahead of Arsenal. Palace, by contrast, have taken just seven points from their opening seven games.

Brighton's league record is five wins, one draw and one defeat. They also beat Manchester United 3-2 in the Carabao Cup and won 4-0 in the Conference League. A month earlier they beat champions Arsenal 3-0. Hürzeler was booed off in this fixture last season after Palace won 1-0, and Sunday's game ended very differently.

Palace's league season began slowly. Their first league win came in their third game, a 3-2 win at Fulham. Palace also lost at Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday. Sage was appointed Palace head coach in June 2026 after Oliver Glasner left, and he previously won the Coupe de France with Lens.

Palace travel to Besiktas in their next European game. Brighton, meanwhile, play Jablonec in the Conference League on Thursday and then visit Liverpool at Anfield next weekend. Sage is unsure whether he will be given time to turn things around, leaving his future in doubt as Palace prepare for the trip.